The sky shines differently today than it did yesterday

[employeeoftheyear]

[Perhaps to the surprise of no one, there is no after party after that trial. Two children were dead. Two children were dead over a simple accident and the Wizard cared more about himself than anyone else. But they won't give up, they can't give up. They had to keep fighting until everything's been set right.

At the Lobby ofrenda later that night, there are six origami pieces accoupling the other memorials. A penguin, a rose, an octopus man, computer, a music note, and the last one are of a boy and girl holding hands. Along with that there is a plate of strawberry cupcakes with blueberry icing and a note that reads:]

There is still hope and love in the world

Never let The Wizard make you think otherwise 💗

Comments

[barberic]

[The rhythm is familiar and easy, even moreso with Eurydice's soft voice, giving them a beat to work to, and the three hands makes the work even easier.

When Orpheus finally speaks, it's while Benjamin has paused to take a drink from a water bottle that he brought down from the school, and Benjamin swallows, then offers the bottle to Orpheus, as well.]

It was almost for nothing. [He sounds like... he's not sure what to make of that. The fact that it wasn't. The fact that in the end, the Wizard's own machinations - facsimile of their dead friend as it was - was what provided the final mercy, letting the boy die painless and loved.

He shakes his head. If he thinks too much about the execution, about the dead boy lying not ten feet away, he might not have the strength to keep digging.]

It was the least I could do. For what we had to do to him.

[themuseabandonsyou]

[ The work song haunts him, knowing where Eurydice must have picked it up and being able to piece together some of what must have happened to Benjamin in those missing years of his from how easily he joins in. Despite his best efforts, Orpheus can't help but stop and stare for a moment as they work, heads down, efficient and practiced, before shaking it off and redoubling his own efforts to keep up.

He's not accustomed to this kind of labor. Working at the bar back home the most he'd normally have to do was load or unload crates of supplies, and while that wasn't easy work it wasn't the harsh and relentless work of grave digging. When Benjamin offers him the water bottle, he takes it gratefully. ]

I don't... really know what to make of any of this anymore. After what the Wizard told us. It sounded like he wanted us to spare Varian. And with what he said, about putting an end to these 'shows'... [ He shakes his head, and takes a drink. ] But we couldn't do that, either. Put all our deaths on Varian's shoulders. And I... I know it's selfish, but. I couldn't let Eurydice die again.

[barberic]

[When Orpheus mentions Eurydice, Benjamin's gaze automatically drifts over to her.]

That's not selfish. [What he leaves unsaid, that he assumes Orpheus understands, is that hundreds of men a day are forced to choose between their wives and a child, in a far different circumstance. Many more don't even get a choice.]

I don't intend to put my death on anyone's conscience. Or give that Wizard the satisfaction.

[And with that, he resumes digging, break over.]

[themuseabandonsyou]

[ Orpheus nods and sets the water bottle down, taking up the shovel again and trying to ignore the ache in his arms. He'll regret it tomorrow, but this has to be done, and he doesn't want to be the one slowing it down. ]

We won't. This can't continue. Something's going to have to give.

[ It's clear they can't stay here for much longer. Orpheus doesn't know how they're going to get out, but with the outdoors open to them the thought of fleeing into the wilderness and risking whatever awaits them out there starts to appeal more and more. ]

I just wonder... if the Wizard meant to tell us all of that. It seemed like Spongebob provoked him, into saying more than he was going to. Which makes me think it's all really important, somehow.

merging the thread with the marrieds in case either of you want to keep it going

[barberic]

It's possible. [He grunts, tossing the next load of dirt.] Worth remembering, anyway.

We can discuss it later, when we can better focus on tomorrow.

[And not on today's loss.

They lapse into digging again, and then Eurydice asks Benjamin a question.]